It’s a brand-new world Cam Ward. Chosen with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback is entering the league with high expectations and the weight of what he calls a ‘mid’ offense on his shoulders.
Although the top pick in the draft, Ward is adjusting to the reality of the NFL vs college level of play just like every rookie in the NFL. There are going to be ups and downs just like the Titans rookie has faced through the first few days of practice.
He has shown just way he was the top pick in the draft, but he has also shown the struggles of a rookie learning a new offense and adjusting to a new level of play. It’s just the first days of practice, but Ward is already challenging himself to get the offense on par.
“I think we’re very mid right now,” Ward said Wednesday following practice after throwing 4 interceptions. "From my position to up front to the receivers position. But at the end of the day, it all starts with me. I just don't we're at where we need to be. But we have a little bit of time, so every day we get better as a whole. We're a young team, and that is no excuse."
Cam Ward is his biggest competitor
Those words came as the entire offense looked mediocre, which might be an overstatement. But, as a No. 1 pick, he is putting it on his shoulders which is the mark of a quarterback who does have natural leadership skills to go along with the talent that filled the highlight reels at the University of Miami where he put up historical numbers. Although he is quickly realizing positive results won’t come easy at the NFL level, he recognizes getting the Titans offense flowing starts with him.
“At the end of the day it all starts with me,” Ward continued. “I just don’t think we’re at where we need to be, but we’ve got a little bit of time.”
Those same sentiments can be echoed around the NFL. It’s still early in training camp and many of the first-year players are finding their footing to be able to make an impact in Year 1. As for Ward and the opportunity ahead of him, he does have an offensive minded head coach in Brian Callahan to put him in the best position to succeed. He also has playmakers around him like veteran wide receivers Calvin Ridley, Tyler Locket and Van Jefferson along with running back Tony Pollard who can help him ease into his zone.
More on Cam Ward:
What could be a downfall in his progression is the lack of competition. While Ward is QB1, there was expected to be competition from Will Levis who went down with a season-ending shoulder injury. That competition could’ve pushed Ward a little harder. Now, however, the player he sees within himself is his biggest competitor.